David Sax Offline

2nd August 2017

Escape the anxiety-inducing hatred of the internet.

Not so long ago, the internet was a reliable escape from the harsh reality of the world. Today, it is the reality we need to escape from. Like many others, I am seeking comfort away from the screen. The only things that seem to make any sense, and to lighten the darkness, are those precious moments offline. Listening to a record. Escaping into the pages of a familiar paperback. Playing board games with friends. Seeking refuge from the uncertainty fed up so efficiently online, in ways that feel grounding and familiar.

Inevitably, these interactions lead me away from the echo chambers and into face-to-face interactions with fellow humans and strangers. These were conversations, not comments, which established empathy – sometimes even greater degree of understanding.